Pat Smith and Phil Powell were honorees at the 61st annual Greater Cheraw Chamber of Commerce banquet last Thursday.

Smith, chair of the On Stage Theater Group, received the Chamber Ambassador's Award for her tireless volunteer work at the Chamber office.

Powell received the Chamber Award of Excellence. Recipients personify the Chamber motto: Commitment to Community.”

In tears, Powell recalled when the town assisted him during an emotional time when his wife was sick.

“What you all did then, means more to me,” he said in accepting the award.

Powell is director of the Cheraw Parks and Recreation department, and most recently led the effort for Cheraw's first S.C. Jazz Festival held in October.

The banquet featured guest speaker Dr. Nancy Welch, who talked about leadership and partnership. Upcoming Chamber is Mattie Thomas of Jameson Inn.